Buying a Brownstone for under 500K

old thread, but I am just curious, how is this going for you so far, spaceaddict? I’ve shopped for maybe half a year, but found nothing that is in my budget (550k for 2 fam) which was not too far north or east or near dodgy looking housing projects in Bed-Stuy, or within the prime, neighborhoody “Stuy Heights” area. I found something else (in process of buying now), a few avenues away from Clinton Hill border, a brownstone, but smaller than standard and without any fancy detail strappings.

Kateruba

in Brownstoner Renovation 13 years and 7 months ago

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spaceaddict | 13 years and 11 months ago

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I want to gauge the possibility of getting a liveable (do not have to be renovated) Brownstone that is within walking distance to the A line.

Anyone think it’s doable for under 480K? And if so what neighborhood? I love the neighborhoody feel of Halsey St. in Bed Stu.

Probably need to talk to a real estate agent to be sure but you guys may know the market and what’s out there before I go the might-be-biased agent route. Thanks.

pigthree | 13 years and 11 months ago

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its possible in the neighborhood you mention with walking distance to the Utica A on Stuyvesant, but will likely need some renovation.  

You will not find anything that has been updated for that price unless the seller is in some sort of trouble.

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Agree with pig-three, not in that area.

There’s a broker on Stuyvesant between MacDonough and Decatur with a storefront but no website.  Also try flateau realty.  they do have a website

anonymous | 13 years and 11 months ago

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There is house on  sale on Halsey Street in bed-stuy. You might have to do minimum work. House is between Malcolm x and Stuyvesan Ave. I don’t know how much they are asking for but it is only 5 shorts block from Utica ave. A train station.

callalily | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Yes, you absolutely can. You will find beautiful brownstones walking distance from the A Utica stop for $430,000 to $530,000\. They will not be in the Stuyvesant Heights area, they will be right outside it. I know someone who bought a two-family, three-story house in renovated, move-in condition with some historic details near Saraghina for $530,000\. I also looked at a place in the same area that had not been recently renovated but was in great move-in condition, and the family was willing to give some kind of concession or money toward renovation, which would have brought the price down to $430,000 (it was listed higher). The challenge in Bed Stuy is not the price. Rather it is finding something in move-in condition. Most places have either been over-renovated by flippers (all detail removed) or they need a lot of work.

callalily | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Dave above has the right idea. Talk to all the local realty firms. They have listings you won’t find anywhere else, and the prices are lower than with the bigger, better-known companies. There are at least four or five in Bed Stuy.

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Fillmore has a lot of listings right here on brownstoner but flateau (sp?) seems to have lower prices.  You will find this price range east of Malcolm X

callalily | 13 years and 11 months ago

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OP, yes, there are the two Dave mentions, both very good, also another storefront on Halsey and Howard (never had any dealings with them), plus there is Corley Realty Group at Corleyre.com 

I’ve had good dealings with Corley, your best bet is to call the owners and ask them to show you stuff, since I don’t think everything is on the web site.

Also it is true Fillmore does have a lot of listings though they seldom post many pictures. I saw one place from a realtor there who knew Bed Stuy backwards and forwards, loved her, unfortunately cannot remember her name. Corinne, Catherine, Michelle, Danielle? 50 year old Black woman who lives in Bed Stuy, really knowledgeable about brownstones. Nice rain boots too 🙂

Just keep checking Trulia and all that, walk the neighborhood, also Amzi Hill here on this site sometimes hears of properties for sale before they hit the market.

spaceaddict | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Thank you guys. This is very helpful.

callalily | 13 years and 11 months ago

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Yes, East of Malcolm X around Bainbridge etc, but also two blocks to the left of Lewis, and also near Saraghina, above, and to the right and the left. Don’t go too far north, I’d say Putnam is probably the cut off. Just keep looking and you will find. It might take a while just because it’s so hard to find a place in decent condition. Like it might take a year. But the price will probably not be the issue.